Constructing amorphous RuxOy on CuO/Cu2O nanowire arrays for improved oxygen evolution

Developing a facile strategy for the construction of advanced electrocatalysts to accelerate oxygen evolution kinetics to meet the needs of new energy conversion technologies is highly desirable. Herein, a novel and facile route is devised to grow the amorphous Ru x O y on CuO/Cu 2 O nanowire arrays. Experimental results show that the typical product displays an outstanding electrocatalytic oxygen evolution activity involving a low overpotential of 236 mV at 20 mA cm −2 and an excellent durability. The reasons for which is associated with the synergistic effect of amorphous Ru x O y and CuO/Cu 2 O nanowire arrays, as well as the existence of abundant oxygen vacancies. This study exhibits new insights into using the composite of amorphous Ru x O y and copper (Cu)–based oxides as high-activity catalysts for oxygen evolution.